As a general rule factories, construction sites, medical activities and local authority premises are the responsibility of the HSE. We take responsibility for offices, shops, warehouses, restaurants, hotels, places of worship, leisure and consumer services. The same laws apply in both cases.

Our Health and Safety Officers aim to ensure that work premises are safe for employees and visitors and that accidents are prevented wherever possible. This is achieved by:

Inspections of business premises such as offices, shops and warehouses to ensure conditions are satisfactory and safe, in accordance with government priorities

Investigation of accidents at work which involve either staff or the general public

Investigation of complaints relating to health and safety

We provide information to businesses and members of the public to increase general awareness of health and safety

We use educational techniques as well as legal means to achieve compliance

We licence tattooists, skin pierces and acupuncturists

We advise other council departments about health and safety at events with a Public Entertainment Licence

We give advice to customers and all stakeholders on health and safety issues

We work with other health professionals locally and nationally

We do not however deal with council buildings and employees, manufacturing, construction or food manufacturing which are dealt with by the HSE

Safer workplace, better business

In partnership with the HSE, Devon Health & Safety Sub Group have created a pack for businesses to download called Safer Workplace, Better Business [8,008kb]. Supported by the HSE, Local Government Regulation and modelled on the Food Standards Agency's Safer Food Better Business pack, it could form the basis for small and medium sized businesses to comply with legal standards on Health and Safety.

Once completed the pack will enable businesses to identify key hazards in their workplace, introduce suitable control measures and have a documented system available for inspection by Health and Safety Officers. The pack is split into the following five sections, which business owners and/or managers should work through and complete:

Introduction

Procedures/Policy

Protection

Good Practices

Records

Extra Care

FAQs

The HSE has produced a useful webpage where information and guidance leaflets can be downloaded, see HSE Leaflets. Priced publications can be ordered via HSE Books.